Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Manny Malhotra is one of the hottest first-time NHL coaching candidates in the league and his son Caleb is projected as a possible top-five pick in the 2026 draft. Toronto could have a top-five protected pick and need a new coach – this seems like a match made in heaven.
Abbotsford Canucks head coach and former NHLer Manny Malhotra is a hot name in the hiring wheel, and according to reports has nearly the entire league on watch.
According to David Pagnotta of ‘The Fourth Period’, multiple teams have their eye on Malhotra, with clubs who may be seeking a coaching change keeping watch:
I can tell you, he’s on the radars of a few different teams out there looking to either make or considering a coaching change for next season. (Leafs Morning Take, 03.23.26)
Malhotra, 45, is a 16-year NHL veteran with nearly 1000 games played in his career, in his era having been one of the top defensive bottom-six centers.
Having been a highly reliable depth forward, Malhotra is projecting to be a potential better coach than player, as he’s been rising the ranks in his post-playing career.
Starting as an assistant coach for the Vancouver Canucks, Malhotra joined the Leafs in the same role in 2020, having left in 2024 to take on a role with the Canucks AHL affiliate, Abbotsford.
Manny Malhotra emerging as the NHL’s hot new head coach candidate
Manny Malhotra is the new big head coach candidate, and could repeat the success of another young up and coming coach in Sheldon Keefe.
Having had a respectful career as a player, both have shown a higher potential in coaching, and Malhotra has a very good shot at becoming a first time NHL coach next season.
In two AHL seasons, Malhotra has a 66-60-10 record with Abbotsford. The AHL Canucks have been one of the weakest teams in the league, but having lost most of their top players from last season.
Still, Malhotra has managed to get as best as he can with his roster. Signed until 2027, Malhotra may wait until next year for an NHL job, but is already gaining interest right away.
Leafs keeping their top-five pick could be an unexpected X-Factor in hiring Malhotra
Caleb Malhotra, Manny’s son, is a projected lottery pick in this year’s NHL Draft. The younger Malhotra has 29 goals, 55 assists, & 84 points for a dominant Brantford Bulldogs team that includes Leafs prospect Ben Danford.
Malhotra, projected to be a possible top-10 pick, could go as high as the top-five, and this impacts the Leafs. Toronto has their first round pick, but only top-five protected. If the Leafs keep that pick, they could use it on Caleb Malhotra if he’s there.
It wouldn’t be a reach as Malhotra is projected in that range, but it could entice the elder Malhotra to commit to Toronto. But the Leafs aren’t the only basement team who could utilize this strategy.
The Canucks, currently in last place, could let go of head coach Adam Foote, letting Malhotra take his place. Malhotra likely doesn’t go top-two, but if Vancouver were to draft third or fourth, Caleb would be enticing to sweeten the deal.
Manny Malhotra is one of the most interesting and respected coaching candidates in the NHL right now. If Toronto manages to keep that pick and draft his son, they may have found the most creative recruitment pitch in franchise history.
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The Maple Leafs need a coaching change and Manny Malhotra is already on every other team’s radar
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